Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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1326. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the total number of claims made and paid out under the humanitarian assistance scheme for Storm Éowyn; the average payment; the amounts paid for example less than €500, €1000, €1,500, €2,000 and so on, in tabular form; the total amount paid to date; and the number of claims refused wholly or partially; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44524/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS) was activated nationally on the morning of Friday, 24 January 2025 in response to Storm Éowyn. Community Welfare Officers from the Department were in place instantly to respond to the immediate needs of affected households.

The deadline for submitting HAS 1 applications was 25 April 2025. The majority of payments made to people to date as a result of Storm Éowyn have been Stage 1, to meet the additional cost of feeding their families in the immediate aftermath of the storm where people remained without power and/or water.

Up to 22 August 2025, just over 96,000 applications have been received in relation to the HAS. Just over 58,000 claims have been awarded with a total of just over €14.1 million being paid in respect of Storm Éowyn related claims. The average value of awarded claims is €242.03.

Unfortunately, my Department cannot provide a breakdown analysis of claims based on amounts awarded in the specific categories you have requested as the information is not collated in that format.

To date, just over 37,000 HAS applications have been disallowed. My Department continues to accept and process requests for a review of a decision. Review requests are undertaken by a SWA Review Officer. The review process may lead to a fresh examination of the initial decision made or include further contact/engagement with the customer and/or a requirement for additional supporting information or evidence to be provided, in order to assist the Review Officer with their consideration of the review request reasons.

Inconsistencies or differences in payment awards can be attributed to the variety of claims received. Every individual application is assessed based on the information provided by the applicant in relation to their household composition, the length of time they were without power, and details of any additional costs (other than food) incurred. The amount an individual person receives depends on their individual circumstances and the eligibility of their request under HAS.

The Community Welfare Service continues to engage and provide supports under the scheme to householders. Stages 2 and 3 of the HAS remain open and my Department continues to currently accept applications. Stage 2/3 payments are subject to an income test.

I trust this clarifies the matter.